This week our fifth grade writers are adding onto and continuing a non-fiction writing unit by writing feature articles. A feature article is typically longer than a standard news story. We started this non-fiction writing unit studying and practicing writing short articles, that stated facts and that grabbed the reader's attention. Many of these articles were focused around the classroom, and all of the drama that happens during lunch and recess!
A feature article is written with more detail and background, and is based on research. It still includes the important who, what, when, why, where and how. The how we have found, really gets the writers to elaborate by looking for more information, thinking about their audience, and exactly what it is that they want the reader to know about their topic.
Features can vary widely—we will explore and identify many different kinds of feature articles. In each class, our students will write a news feature, or a human interest feature. Features humanize events and issues rather than make a recitation of facts. Our writers will include mini essays, where they can share anecdotes or give suggestions to the reader.
In this unit, our writers will continue to practice the typical writing process. They will consider ways to hook, inform and entertain their reader. This unit will also allow students to learn many writing fundamentals such as how to use our new Chrome books, how to insert an image, how to include interviews, ways to save their work, cite their sources, include links and print independently.
Some of the tools that we are using to support our writers are NewsEla articles, Scholastic News articles and articles from the New York Times. We have plans to have professional freelance writers talk to and work directly with our students!
The idea behind a feature is to go one step further: You’re not just telling your reader what happened. You’re explaining why it’s important, who is affected and presenting the big picture.
We are so excited to begin this work!